Cityscapes.

I’ve lived in the country for most of my life. This includes two or three stints in an urban landscape during high school and university years, and for a while after that. But for the most part, I’ve lived in the country, where the air is clean, the sky is blue, I see wildlife on an almost daily basis, and I can’t always get what I want at the grocery store. Consumer leakage occurs for a few other
items too, but that’s a different blogpost.

Yup! I’m a country mouse, and I LOVE going to the big city. By big, I mean Ottawa, Toronto, or Montreal (the three that are closest to me). Last weekend, it was Montreal to help my

daughter while she had some medical issues attended to.

She lives in a great apartment, in NDG - a downtown neighbourhood, short for Notre Dame de Grace. Her apartment is very funky - and in this case, the word is apt. It’s over 100 years old, right on Sherbrooke Street, has high ceilings, plaster walls, not enough electrical outlets,
and a wonderful view from the little two person balcony.

(Ed. note.  There is no elevator and she’s on the top floor of this thighrise with its built in stairmaster!)

These paintings – by my talented daughter – are her interpretation of her urban landscape:

When I’m in Montreal, I love going to the Atwater Market. This market is a well established, renowned regional destination, and for good reason! The food is always artfully displayed, reasonably priced, bountiful, and delicious. It is an exceptional example of the merchandising premise “first you feast with your eyes”.

The Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal is likely one of the oldest hospitals in Canada, and it’s in a constant state of renovation. While we spent a few hours there, I was able to step back into the 1880’s, and pretty much every other decade spanning the last 150 years!

Now back home, I am no longer vertically challenged by stairs,

and“highrise” has a totally different meaning here…

The Farmers' Market

Atwater Market in Montreal

is one of the best farmers' markets I've ever been to.
It has many specialty purveyors of fine cheeses, meats, vegetables, incredible artisan breads,fruit, fish, flowers, and pretty much anything
you can think of that comes from the farm, field, or forest.
To visit is to feast with the eyes, and to wander slowly past the colourful displays...
a little taste here, a sip there, and before you know it, an hour has gone by.
The shopping basket is bursting, and you feel connected to the fabulous food you're about to enjoy..local flavour meant to savour.
The birds like it too.